Operating Systemhttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/4090/all
enReview: Parallels Desktop 10 for Machttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/review_parallels_desktop_10_mac
<!--paging_filter--><p>There are many good reasons to run alternate operating systems on a Mac, but this year Apple gave us the best one yet, courtesy of the OS X Yosemite public beta — and the latest version of Parallels Desktop not only delivers the necessary 10.10 compatibility and guest virtual machine support, but provides bits of the shiny new desktop OS to Windows too.</p><p><img src="/files/u332541/2014/12/parallelsdesktop10_620.png" width="620" height="388" /></p><p>Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac arrived right on cue ahead of Apple’s now-yearly OS X refresh. This timetable comes at a cost: Upgraders are required to shell out 50 bucks to maintain compatibility with the latest operating system, despite Cupertino’s tradition of giving it away. While some veteran users may cry foul over this policy, Parallels hasn’t simply added Yosemite compatibility and called it a day. There are plenty of convenient new features on show, with performance enhancements at nearly every turn and a fresh coat of paint that nicely complements Apple’s new UI aesthetic.</p><p>Atop the list of improvements is real-time virtual disk optimization, finally automating the process of compacting VMs to reclaim space. Users no longer have to fret about manually retrieving that precious unused storage — simply check the settings option for each VM, and forget about it. Parallels also managed to increase battery life for MacBooks by as much as 30 percent, while accessing snapshots up to 60 percent faster — both immediately noticeable and very welcome improvements.</p><p>Given the popularity of Windows, Parallels once again fine-tuned integration with Microsoft’s operating system. Opening Windows documents is now 48 percent faster, while Office 2013 applications launch 50 percent quicker — changes that add up in daily use. In Coherence mode, that controversial Windows 8 Start screen can even blend into Launchpad, adding new apps as they’re installed.</p><p>But it’s the little things that shine. Our favorites are the ability to drag and drop files onto a Windows VM icon to open them, while Outlook now displays an Apple Mail-style badge for unread messages. Office applications can also now save files directly to Mac-hosted cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, as well as iCloud Drive with the arrival of Yosemite.</p><p><strong>The bottom line.</strong> Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac gains a fresh, Yosemite-inspired look, welcome performance tweaks, and a big helping of convenient features. But existing users should budget accordingly if they want to remain current.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac</p> </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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Parallels IP Holdings GmbH </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.parallels.com">www.parallels.com</a></p> </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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$79.99 (upgrade $49.99) </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 or later; Intel Core 2 Duo or newer processor; 2GB RAM (4GB recommended); 850MB of disk space for installation; 15GB or more disk space per virtual machine</p> </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>Ready for OS X Yosemite. One-click presets optimize for best performance based on usage scenario. Adds Mac-style Save to and Share options to Windows.</p> </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>Upgrade required for Yosemite support.</p> </div>
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http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/review_parallels_desktop_10_mac#commentsReviewsOperating SystemOS XparallelsParallels 10PCwindowsyosemiteMacThu, 11 Dec 2014 18:05:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter21062 at http://www.maclife.comiOS 7.1 Thought to Release 'Any Day Now,' Ahead of iTunes Festivalhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ios_71_thought_release_any_day_now_ahead_itunes_festival
<!--paging_filter--><p>Apple's stuffing a lot of improved features into <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/cult_mac_illustrates_tweaks_ios_71_beta_handy_gif_animations" target="_blank">iOS 7.1</a>, just as it's filling <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/soundgarden_perform_entire_superunknown_album_itunes_festival_sxsw" target="_blank">its roster at SXSW</a> (South By Southwest) with memorable acts. It turns out that the two may have more in common than it initially seems. Based on info from a "little birdie," John Gruber of <em>Daring Fireball</em> <a href="http://daringfireball.net/" target="_blank">stated </a>that Apple's dedicated app for steaming performances from SXSW's iTunes Festival will need iOS 7.1. The upshot? Considering that SXSW starts on March 11, that means we could see iOS 7.1 in the next couple of days.</p><p>In Gruber's words, "Apple's first iTunes Festival in the U.S. starts a week from today at SXSW in Austin. Apple is going to stream the performances to iOS devices using an app, but I've heard from a little birdie that the app requires iOS 7.1 (which explains why the app isn't out yet). That means iOS 7.1 should ship any day now."</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/02/ios7_0.jpg" width="620" height="550" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2014/01/07/apple-releases-ios-7-1-beta-3-to-developers/" target="_blank">9to5Mac</a></strong></p><p>It's been a long time coming. Apple's latest patch for iOS 7 has been in the works since last November, and it's gone through an impressive <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/parallax_disabler_darker_icons_among_changes_latest_ios_7_beta" target="_blank">five betas</a> (with the most recent dropping on February 4). Visual overhauls make up the bulk of the patch's content, ranging from new icons and enhanced shift and caps lock keys to a whole new look for the iPhone's dialer. If there's a problem with Gruber's information, though, it's that Apple hasn't sent out a "Golden Master" yet.</p><p>But if Gruber is right, then Apple needs to get into gear. Apple's first American iTunes Festival will feature music by the likes of <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_finally_bringing_itunes_festival_usa_during_next_months_sxsw" target="_blank">Coldplay and Imagine Dragons</a>, as well as classic acts like Soundgarden and Willie Nelson. The first performance is expected to kick off exactly a week from now at 7:30 p.m.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ios_71_thought_release_any_day_now_ahead_itunes_festival#commentsNewsiOS 7iPadiphoneiPodOperating Systemrelease dateRumorsWed, 05 Mar 2014 00:22:00 +0000Leif Johnson19479 at http://www.maclife.comHow To Master Windows Virtualization On Your Machttp://www.maclife.com/article/features/how_master_windows_virtualization_your_mac
<!--paging_filter--><h3>Forget oil and water -- these days, OS X and Windows 7 go together like cookies and milk. We’ll help you savor both flavors with an in-depth look at the most cutting-edge ways to run these two operating systems on one Mac.</h3><p>Go ahead -- close your eyes and pretend it doesn’t exist. Squinch those lids tighter, even. It won’t help. Windows is still out there, and while some of us can exist in a Mac-only computerscape, loads of us can’t. Case in point -- ever tried QuickBooks for Mac? Yep, it’s rubbish, but for many small business owners, QuickBooks (and not some almost-QuickBooks Mac clone) is vital for their biz. Then there’s gaming -- while Steam has helped Mac gaming reach new heights, some of the best computer games out there only run in Windows. And the examples go on and on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/windowsapple.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>None of that’s a problem. While Windows endured some incredibly dark days in its Vista era, Windows 7 is actually a pretty sharp operating system. Better yet, it’s easier than ever to run Windows on your Mac. This guide will steer you safely through that sometimes-confusing terrain while also introducing you to the Windows software you’ll be thrilled to use -- and don’t worry, none of it bites!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Putting Windows on Your Mac</h2><h3>You’re ready to take the plunge -- you know that Windows 7 is actually pretty sweet, and you need it for something that OS X can’t do. But how to proceed? Let’s review the options for running Windows on a Mac so you can select the method that’s right for you.</h3><p>Using Windows with your Mac begins, as many things do, with a choice: Boot Camp or virtualization. If you’re running Leopard or Snow Leopard, OS X includes Boot Camp, which enables Windows to run natively on your Mac. While that means better Windows performance, you can only run one operating system at a time this way, so switching between OS X and Windows requires restarting your computer. (For the details on how to get this option up and running, check out <a href="http://apple.com/support/bootcamp" target="_blank">apple.com/support/bootcamp</a>.)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/boot-camp.jpg" width="405" height="302" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you don’t mind restarting to switch operating systems, Boot Camp’s for you.</strong></p><p>For most of us, all that rebooting adds up to too much hassle for day-to-day use, but fortunately there’s another side where the grass is greener. Virtualization software lets you run Windows (and many other operating systems) from within OS X by creating what’s called a virtual machine, or a VM. Typically, VMs appear as an application-style window inside which another OS (like Windows) runs in a virtual environment, essentially creating a computer within a computer.<br /><br />With virtualization software, Mac users typically choose from two main options: VMware Fusion 3 and Parallels Desktop 6 (<a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/parallels_desktop_6_mac_review" target="_blank">4.5 stars, Dec/10</a>). For us, it’s an easy decision -- we enthusiastically recommend Parallels 6 for two reasons. First, our friends over at MacTech put these two virtualization apps through one of the most exhaustive batteries of benchmarking tests we’ve ever seen, analyzing their performance on four different models of Macs in a variety of uses ranging from gaming to productivity software to 3D graphics and beyond. Parallels 6 beat Fusion 3 in 84 percent of those tests—and in 61 percent of them, it won by a margin of at least 10 percent. (Check out this terrific article at <a href="http://mactech.com/2011/01/05/virtualization-benchmarks" target="_blank">mactech.com/2011/01/05/virtualization-benchmarks</a>.)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/parallels-6-box.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>For virtualization on a Mac, Parallels 6 is where it’s at.</strong></p><p>Folks, that’s called a blowout, but Parallels has another thing going for it -- tighter integration with OS X. By activating an option called “Coherence,” the window running your Windows VM disappears, and you can install and use Windows software from within OS X. Windows apps appear in a separate Applications folder, they can be launched from the Dock and used just like Mac apps, and they can access files anywhere on your computer. It’s a dramatic effect, especially if you’re used to older virtualization software that essentially quarantined the two operating systems, requiring Windows software to run solely within the VM’s window and forcing files to be copied between operating systems.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/p6-coherence.jpg" width="620" height="280" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Parallels’ best trick is integrating Windows so tightly into OS X that you barely even know it’s there.</strong></p><p>Before we move on to the intricacies of Windows 7 and helping you get the most of Parallels 6, a brief word on requirements. Purchasing Parallels Desktop 6 ($79.99, <a href="http://parallels.com" target="_blank">parallels.com</a>) doesn’t get you a copy of Windows, so you’ll need one with a valid, unused licensed key to get your VM set up. <br /><br />Also, running a VM takes a big chunk of your Mac’s RAM and processor capacity. Parallels 6 defaults to using one processor core and 1GB RAM for this task, and of course it includes settings that let you devote more or less of your Mac’s muscle to Windows. But there’s no free power here -- the faster you make Windows run, the slower OS X will run. With a newer Mac, you’ll be just fine, but if your Mac’s already a bit pokey, Boot Camp and its constant rebooting to cycle between operating systems might be the better route.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/p6-specs.jpg" width="405" height="270" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>This VM is configured to use 1GB RAM and one processor core from the MacBook it’s installed on.</strong></p><p>To bottom-line it, we’ll start with Parallels 6’s stated minimum specs: Mac OS 10.5.8 or later; 1.66GHz Intel processor; 1GB RAM; 15GB for each virtual machine. But in our testing, we found that a 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM set the minimum threshold of performance that we found usable. Of course, the more horsepower your computer has, the snappier your VM will be.</p><h3>Just Need Internet Explorer?</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/ie.jpg" width="620" height="343" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you only want Windows for surfing IE-only sites, Safari’s got you covered.</strong></p><p>If your only reason for running Windows is access to Internet Explorer–only websites, back away from that VM! Safari can handle the job for you quickly and easily. First, go to Safari &gt; Preferences, then click the Advanced tab and check the box for “Show Develop menu in menu bar.” With that menu activated, go to Develop &gt; User Agent and pick which browser you want Safari to pose as when loading a webpage. Voilà!</p><h3>On a Budget?</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/virtualbox.jpg" width="620" height="388" /></p><p>You don’t have to invest in Parallels to run a Windows virtual machine on your Mac. Head over to virtualbox.org to download its eponymous and very solid open-source virtualization software. While it lacks Parallels’ awesome Coherence feature, VirtualBox is versatile and useful, and if your Windows needs are minimal or rare, free’s hard to beat.</p><hr /><h2>Demystifying Windows</h2><h3>Everything you need to know before running Windows.</h3><p><strong>Q: Is Windows 7 any good, or should I stick with XP?</strong><br /><br />A: Absolutely you should choose Windows 7. It combines the speed of XP with the security of Vista, comes with DirectX 11 baked in, and supports the TRIM command to keep SSDs running in tip-top shape.<br /><br /><strong>Q: Cool, I’m down with that, but which version of Windows 7 is best for me?<br /></strong><br />A: Most home users should opt for Home Premium, though if you rely on lots of legacy apps, you’ll find Professional’s XP Mode to be a godsend.<br /><br /><strong>Q: What is XP Mode, and are there other advantages to the Professional version? </strong><br /><br />A: XP Mode combines Windows Virtual PC with a preinstalled XP environment to ensure all your old programs will still work. The other main advantage to Professional is the ability to join a domain, like your workplace network.<br /><strong><br />Q: Help me choose between 64-bit and 32-bit. Which one is best for running a VM in Snow Leopard? What about Boot Camp?</strong><br /><br />A: The 64-bit version of Win 7 can fully address 4GB or more of RAM, though it might choke on some 32-bit specific apps. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are fair game when using a VM in Snow Leopard, but not all Macs will run 64-bit Win 7 in Boot Camp—check out <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1846" target="_blank">support.apple.com/kb/HT1846</a> to see if yours will.<br /><strong><br />Q: Other than price, what’s the difference between the OEM, Retail, and Upgrade versions?</strong><br /><br />A: OEM, or “original equipment manufacturer,” is intended for system resellers like Dell and HP. These copies are permanently tied to a single system and don’t come with tech support or a shiny box. Retail ships with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs, and you can take the OS with you if you buy a new computer. Upgrade versions require the existence of a previous Windows installation, either XP/2000 or Vista.<br /><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/joindomain.jpg" width="620" height="255" /></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Only Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate let you connect your PC to a domain.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Q: Will Windows 7 run all my XP/Vista software?</strong><br /><br />A: Yes, save for some legacy applications. Even then, Win 7’s compatibility mode does a great job getting older programs to load. To be absolutely sure the software you need will work, visit <a href="http://microsoft.com/windows/compatibility" target="_blank">microsoft.com/windows/compatibility</a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/xpmode.jpg" width="405" height="356" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>XP Mode is your ticket to running legacy applications intended for Windows XP.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Q: Will Microsoft Security Essentials keep me safe, or do I need something else?</strong></p><p>A: Combined with common-sense computing habits, like never opening suspicious email attachments, MSE is all the protection you’ll need.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/mse.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection against viruses and spyware, and it’s free!</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Q: How important are OS updates, and how do I run them?</strong><br /><br />A: An unpatched Windows install is an easy target for hackers, and it’s best to configure Win 7 to download and install updates automatically (Start &gt; type “Windows Update” &gt; Change settings).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/windowsupdate.jpg" width="405" height="313" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Keep security holes plugged by configuring Windows to automatically grab updates.</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><h2>Getting Started with Windows</h2><p>Setting up Boot Camp is just a matter of following Apple’s instructions, but using Parallels 6 to make a VM is a bit more involved. These tips and tricks will guide you around common pitfalls and make sure your Parallels VM is running smoothly and safely. (If you decide on Boot Camp, though, steps 2 and 3 are vital when using Windows.)</p><h3>1. Plan Ahead</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/better-vm-1.jpg" width="620" height="359" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The first two steps aren’t the slowest.</strong></p><p>Before you begin, let’s talk schedule -- setting up a VM is a slow process, mostly due to all the updates for Windows you’ll need to download and install. So plan accordingly; we recommend a Sunday morning–like chunk of time where you can drift away on occasion. And for the first two stages of this process -- installing Parallels itself, then installing Windows as a VM -- Parallels comes with good instructions that need no repeating here. Read them carefully and follow along, but remember that’s only the beginning.</p><h3>2. The Update Loop</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/better-vm-2b.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Not updating Windows is as dangerous as counting your money -- out loud -- in the worst part of town.</strong></p><p>Once Windows launches for the first time, it’s crucial that you run updates and install security measures before you do anything else -- seriously! Don’t explore or fiddle with options yet because an unprotected Windows machine is like an open, unattended bank vault with a trail of $100 bills leading out to the curb. You don’t want that, so click on the Start menu (it’s the Windows icon in the lower-left corner) and select Control Panel. In the window that opens, click System and Security &gt; Windows Update &gt; Check for Updates. Keep repeating this process until you have no more updates -- for us, it took 6 cycles and a total of 79 updates. Yup, it’s a Microsoft product!</p><h3>3. Safe and Secure</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/better-vm-3.jpg" width="405" height="329" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Microsoft Security Essentials is free if you’re running a valid copy of Windows 7.</strong></p><p>Next, download Microsoft Security Essentials at <a href="http://microsoft.com/security_essentials" target="_blank">microsoft.com/security_essentials</a> and double-click mseinstall.exe to install it. Thankfully, there’s no longer any need to pay for separate antivirus or security software when running Windows, but you definitely need protection. Let MSE run its update and perform its first scan -- another lengthy process. If you happen to notice any messages about it conflicting with Windows Defender, ignore them -- as part of this install, MSE will turn off Defender, and that’s a good thing.</p><h3>4. Achieve Coherence</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/better-vm-4.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Coherence is the killer feature of Parallels 6.</strong></p><p>Once you’ve armored up, it’s time to finish up with Parallels Desktop. Go to its Virtual Machine menu and click Install Parallels Tools. (You might be prompted to put your Parallels 6 disc back in or remount the DMG you downloaded.) When that install’s done, Parallels will reboot into Coherence mode. As the nifty help message explains, this mode hides Parallels and Windows in the background. To control Parallels, click its icon in the menu bar, and to run Windows apps, navigate to the Windows 7 Applications folder in your Dock. You’re now free to run and install Windows software, open Windows files, and generally do your thing.</p><h3>5. Tidy Up</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/better-vm-5.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tons of useful options lurk in the Configure panel.</strong></p><p>You’ve probably noticed, though, that a bunch of Windows 7 icons just took up residence in your menu bar, and nope, you totally don’t need them. Click the Parallels icon in the menu bar and select Exit Coherence. Windows will reappear inside a window, and at the bottom right of that window, click the Configure button (the one with the wrench-and-screwdriver icon). Select the Options tab, then choose Coherence from the list on the left and uncheck “Show Windows notification area in menu bar.” Poof, they’re gone!</p><h3>6. Parting Wisdom</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/better-vm-6.jpg" width="620" height="388" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Every file that appears on the Mac desktop also appears on the Windows VM desktop.</strong></p><p>To return to Coherence, click the Choose View Mode button right next to that Configure button, and off you go. Some last pieces of advice before you delve into Windows:</p><ul><li>Only run Parallels and Windows when you’re actively using them. Aside from the performance hit your Mac will take, Windows is an inherently riskier platform as far as security goes, so it’s just smart computing to only have it on when you need it.</li></ul><ul><li>If you need to run it constantly, thoroughly explore the options accessed by the Configure button. You’ll find lots of important settings for what files your VM can access, how much of your Mac’s horsepower it uses, and exactly how Windows interacts with your Mac’s hardware.</li></ul><ul><li>When you’re done with Parallels, you shouldn’t just quit it with Command-Q. Exit Coherence, click the power icon in the bottom-left corner of the Parallels window, and choose Shut Down. Once Windows is safely put to bed, then you can quit Parallels.</li></ul><ul><li>If your Windows VM misbehaves, remember that power icon. You can also use Stop from its pop-up menu to kill your VM on the very good chance that simply restarting it will cure whatever ails it.</li></ul><hr /><h2>Windows Productivity Stars</h2><p>Wondering which Windows apps are getting the job done on Macs? Here are the most popular picks...</p><h3>QuickBooks</h3><p><a href="http://quickbooks.com" target="_blank"><strong>quickbooks.com</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/quickbooks.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The good news: QuickBooks 2011 for Mac made huge strides (<a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/quickbooks_2011_review" target="_blank">Jan/11, 3.5 stars</a>). The bad: Its key failing is that it doesn’t allow interoperability between Mac and PC users. That means if your accountant, clients, or anyone else whom you must obey is using the Windows version, the Mac version won’t work for you. And as Mac|Life’s reviewer Stuart Gripman put it, “Windows users get more sharing options, more reports, access to a whole range of third-party software integration tools, and at least eight other features absent from the Mac version of QuickBooks.” So it’s no exaggeration to call QuickBooks one of the primary reasons that many of us need to run Windows on our Macs.</p><h3>Microsoft Office</h3><p><a href="http://microsoft.com/office" target="_blank"><strong>microsoft.com/office</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/office-2011.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Word 2011 for Mac is fine and dandy, but Outlook 2011 lags far behind its Windows equivalent.</strong></p><p>Yes, Office 2011 for Mac achieved new heights with the latest Mac edition of this omnipresent suite. But for longtime users of Outlook for Windows, Outlook 2011 won’t impress. It doesn’t let you create archived folders, the address book’s a bit buggy, views of tasks aren’t configurable, and there’s no calendar syncing for non-Exchange users. Until Microsoft patches Outlook 2011—a major update is due in “the first half of 2011,” which was as specific as the Microsoft rep whom we queried would get—the Windows version remains the only choice for many Outlook users.</p><h3>Microsoft Project</h3><p><a href="http://microsoft.com/project" target="_blank"><strong>microsoft.com/project</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/ms-project.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>For many professional project managers, it’s all about Microsoft Project.</strong></p><p>Another area where Windows software rules the roost is project management. In this case, viable Mac options exist—especially OmniPlan (<a href="http://omnigroup.com" target="_blank">omnigroup.com</a>) and Merlin (<a href="http://projectwizards.net" target="_blank">projectwizards.net</a>). Both import and export Microsoft Project files, but both have different menus and terminology that takes some getting used to for Project pros. But in many businesses, Project is the standard, and files are shared around so regularly that sticking with the Windows version is the only realistic option.</p><h3>And Beyond…</h3><p>One of the most common reasons for needing to run Windows on Macs is enterprise-specific software—a custom app built specifically for a business. Since we use nothing like that here at Mac|Life, we reached out to our Twitter followers to understand how this works. One sysadmin at Western Michigan University told us about a legacy database that requires Internet Explorer 6 and Java Runtime Environment 1.5.10, while a partner in a prototyping company shared that his firm runs a VM to power the proprietary software for his 3D printer. If you’ve got a similar situation, Boot Camp or a VM will keep you and your Mac working smoothly together.<br /><br />Aside from those key highlights, there’s lots of other interesting Windows apps. So many, in fact, that we couldn’t fit them all in this article, so for a list of our favorite Windows utilities, head over to <a href="http://maclife.com/flo_utils" target="_self">maclife.com/flo_utils</a>.</p><hr /><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Windows Gaming Stars</h2><p>Plenty of great games will never see the light of day on OS X. But even though some publishers have decided against developing for Macs, that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the best Windows games. If you’re turned off by the idea of console gaming and would rather put your VM to work playing a few games, we’ll help you pick your pleasures -- and run them successfully on your hardware.</p><h3>Mass Effect 1 &amp; 2</h3><p><a href="http://eagames.com" target="_blank"><strong>eagames.com</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/mass-effect-2.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>This mesmerizing action-RPG will rivet you until the end of its spellbinding storyline. While the third installment is due in the next year or so, you’ll need to play through Mass Effect 1 &amp; 2 to get the real nitty gritty of this trilogy. The games require some heavy artillery, however, so make sure your Mac is well-equipped before embarking on this space journey.</p><h3>DC Universe Online</h3><p><a href="http://dcuniverseonline.com" target="_blank"><strong>dcuniverseonline.com</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/dcuo.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Always wanted to be a superhero? If you like massively multiplayer online role-playing games, DC’s new game takes place in the actual universe itself. Players can choose a mentor for their character (like Batman or Superman) and then fulfill assignments based on whatever faction they chose at the beginning of the game.</p><h3>Crysis 2</h3><p><a href="http://eagames.com" target="_blank"><strong>eagames.com</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/crysis-2.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The sequel that PC gamers have been anticipating for quite a while is finally out. If you enjoy fast-paced shooting action and saving the world from alien invaders, Crysis 2 will totally hit the spot.</p><h3>Puzzle Quest 2</h3><p><a href="http://puzzle-quest.com" target="_blank"><strong>puzzle-quest.com</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/puzzle-quest.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Bejeweled isn’t the only ridiculously addictive puzzle game out there. Puzzle Quest 2 combines the beauty of fantasy RPG with a matching-colors game. This game is more than simply matching beads, though -- you’ll also have to upgrade your character’s stats if you want to get anywhere, and the game includes some pretty amazing characters, powerful weapons, and truly engrossing gameplay.</p><h3>Guild Wars 1 &amp; 2</h3><p><a href="http://us.ncsoft.com/en/guild-wars" target="_blank"><strong>us.ncsoft.com/en/guild-wars</strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/guild-wars-2.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>If you’re a fan of World of Warcraft but aren’t too keen on the monthly subscription tax, Guild Wars is the best free alternative. Though the first installment has been around for years, the sequel is slated to hit shelves any day now. All you have to do is purchase the boxed copy, install the game, and you’re instantly transported into a customizable fantasy world where literally anything can happen.</p><h2>Look Before You Leap!</h2><p>Before you game, make sure your hardware’s up to snuff.</p><h3>Check Yer Specs</h3><p>Just like you’d oil up your car before you embark on a long trip, you’ll have to make sure that your graphics card is well equipped for the taxing task of running a graphics-heavy 64-bit game (on a virtual machine, no less!). First, go into System Profiler and select Hardware &gt; Graphics/Displays. You’ll see the name of the video card currently running in your Mac, as well as the available video RAM (VRAM). If you need more information, you could easily Google each card for more information about memory. <a href="http://EveryMac.com" target="_blank">EveryMac.com</a> also has a handy guide for, well, every Mac that exists, with a full-blown list of specifications. <br /><br />If you see two GPUs in effect -- typical on all unibody MacBook Pros -- that’s because your Mac is actually running both an integrated graphics chip and a discrete GPU that switches back and forth, depending on your computer’s needs. For instance, a MacBook Pro running a game and hooked up to an external monitor will require the faster performing GPU to work harder so that it matches the frame rate to the screen resolution.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/gpu.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>GPUs are literally the heart of gaming performance.</strong></p><p>However, because a virtualized environment is standalone and separate from your Mac, it doesn’t engage the GPUs like OS X will. In Boot Camp, Windows utilizes the discrete graphics card when it’s running graphics-heavy processes. Other virtualization software usually creates fake “hardware” that the virtualized Windows recognizes as actually existing. For example, VMWare creates a fake GPU called an SVGA device, which is actually tapping into the discrete GPU of the MacBook. So, when you’re shopping for games, look at the specifications for the discrete graphics card to match it to the game you want to play.</p><h3>Not All Unibodies Are Created Equal</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/systemprofiler.jpg" width="405" height="284" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Your Mac’s got your back with all the specifics on your innards. </strong></p><p>It’s important that you use the specifications in System Profiler to cross-reference it against the developer’s recommended settings. In the case of PC-only titles, there are specific criteria for what kind of graphics card, memory, and processor you should have to play a game. Whether you’re playing on a virtual machine or through a dual-boot, it’s important that you don’t cut it close when it comes to these system requirements. If a game calls for a minimum of 512MB of memory to run the game, assume that you’ll need at least 1GB of RAM to successfully power through without furrowing your brow.</p><h3>Consider An Upgrade</h3><p>After Nvidia and ATI started manufacturing native GPUs for the Mac platform, high-performance gaming became easier on Macs and its components were finally reflecting that. But not all Macs are created equal, and you can’t upgrade a Mac like you can a PC. <br /><br />If you’re running a Mac Pro, you can easily swap out the GPU inside the machine with one of Apple’s graphics-upgrade kits. If you’re feeling bold, you could even purchase a more affordable Mac-compatible graphics card over at <a href="http://newegg.com" target="_blank">NewEgg.com</a> and do it yourself with one of <a href="http://ifixit.com" target="_blank">iFixit.com</a>’s online guides. Just remember that the graphics card needs to match the internal architecture of the processor you’ve got packed in there, as well as how many sticks of memory you have available.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/05/windows/macproinside.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>So much space for so much power. </strong></p><p>iMacs and Mac minis are a bit out of luck when it comes to GPU upgrades because of the way the motherboard is placed inside. You could always shove more RAM in there if need be, however. Just be sure to peruse the System Profiler to learn the limitations of your Mac and play games that only fit within those specs. For instance, if you top out at 128MB of GPU memory and 2GB of RAM, you might want to take it easy on that graphics-heavy fantasy-world RPG and stick to puzzle games, platformers, and old-school 3D shooters like Counter-Strike.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/features/how_master_windows_virtualization_your_mac#commentsGamingMac OS XOperating SystemOSwindowsWindows 7FeaturesMacHow-TosGamesWed, 06 Apr 2011 23:01:56 +0000Paul Curthoys, Florence Ion, and Paul Lilly 10549 at http://www.maclife.comYou Don’t Look a Day Over Nine: Mac OS X Turns 10http://www.maclife.com/article/news/you_don%E2%80%99t_look_day_over_nine_mac_os_x_turns_10
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/mac_os_x_public_beta_disc_200px.jpg" alt="Mac OS X Public Beta disc" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />It seems like only yesterday, but the Mac OS X we know and love today had its humble debut 10 years ago, on March 24, 2001 after several months as a public beta. You’ve come a long way, baby!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2011/03/24/happy-10th-birthday-os-x/" target="_blank">TUAW has compiled</a> a great timeline of the major Mac OS X releases over the years to celebrate the operating system’s tenth birthday on Thursday. First released as 10.0 “Cheetah” on March 24, 2001 for $129, you can get a great look at the major milestones of Mac OS X over the years, right up to this summer’s planned introduction of 10.7 Lion, which aims to bring some of the iOS simplicity back to the Mac.<br /><br />Mac OS X’s tenth birthday ironically comes on the heels of the announcement this week that Apple VP of software engineering Bertrand Serlet would be leaving the company after guiding the operating system from its NeXT origins to today.<br /><br />We can recall the thrill of installing the original Mac OS X Public Beta, which dual booted alongside then-dominant Mac OS 9, only to discover that the early editions of Mac OS X were, in the words of TUAW, “slow, clunky and made many users want to throw their Macs out the window, into the closest body of water or quickly scurry back to the safety of OS 9.”<br /><br />Realizing the mistakes of the first Mac OS X, Apple released 10.1 “Puma” in September, 2001, a free upgrade that went a long way toward stabilizing the young operating system. However, Mac OS X wouldn’t really begin to gain traction until August, 2002 with the debut of 10.2 “Jaguar,” when most users finally began the transition from the aging OS 9 to the modern OS X we know today.<br /><br />Happy birthday, Mac OS X! Here’s to another decade together…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of MacRumors forum member Laser47)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/you_don%E2%80%99t_look_day_over_nine_mac_os_x_turns_10#commentsNewsApple Inc.BirthdaysDecadeMac OS 10.7Mac OS XOperating SystemMacThu, 24 Mar 2011 13:38:29 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10436 at http://www.maclife.comWhat We Know About iOS 4.3http://www.maclife.com/article/features/what_we_know_about_ios_43
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u286882/ios620.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p>There's never a shortage of speculation surrounding an Apple product launch or update. The release of iOS 4.3 is no exception. Since iOS 4.2.1 became available for download, the Internet has kept itself busy trading in rumors, scrutinizing build notes, and picking apart the code of iOS 4.3 test builds in the hope that doing so might reveal what was next for Apple's trusty mobile operating system. Most likely, all will be revealed at this week's Apple Event. But do you really want to wait that long to find out what Cupertino has in store for us? Of course not. To that end, we've put together a list of what we know so far about the next iteration of iOS. The short version? It's gonna be awesome.</p><h3>Social Butterfly</h3><p>Apple dipped their toe into the waters of social networking with <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_finally_flips_switch_ping_ipad" target="_self">Ping</a>, but with the release of iOS 4.3, it looks as if they’re getting ready to do a cannonball. From what many developers have seen buried in the update’s code, consumers may expect to see a <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/facetime_official_release_hits_mac_app_store_price" target="_self">FaceTime</a> camera baked into Apple’s next iteration of the iPad, which is set to be revealed on March 2. That FaceTime camera means FaceTime calling for the majority of Apple’s mobile devices, so you’d better put on some pants.</p><p>Bolstering the company’s all-in FaceTime investment are three new online services that could finally see Apple standing shoulder-to-shoulder with social media giants like Facebook and Twitter. First in the trio is <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ios_43_may_introduce_“find_my_friends”_feature_new_models_and_more" target="_self">Find My Friends</a>, which appears to be an opt-in GPS location-based service similar to Google Latitude or Loopt.</p><p>Once you sort out where your friends are, you’ll need something to talk about. Apple’s projected Photo Stream and Media Stream services could fill that niche nicely. It’s rumored that this duo of streaming services could provide for photo, video and iTunes streaming (finally!) with the aid of a <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/mobileme_going_offline_scheduled_maintenance_tonight_could_signal_change" target="_self">MobileMe</a> account. When you consider Steve Jobs’ comments this past December that MobileMe was going to get "a lot better in 2011," and the fact that the company just finished building a new server farm in North Carolina, we think that this set of iOS 4.3 rumors might just hold water.</p><h3>Hold it Right There!</h3><p>This one’s a small thing, but definitely a nice thing. One of the newest iOS update rumors going around is that iOS 4.3 may support the ability to cancel the download of an app while in mid-stream. In order to cancel a download, all a iOS device user will need to do is tap and hold the app’s icon until is starts to shimmy and then touch the app’s delete icon. For anyone that’s ever started downloading an application like Infinity Blade over a <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/best_buy_offering_free_mifi_bundled_ipad_contract_required" target="_self">Mi-Fi device</a> or <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_turn_your_jailbroken_iphone_wifi_hotspot" target="_self">jailbroken 3G connection</a> without realizing how big of a file they were dealing with, this is great news.</p><h3>A Switch for the Side Switch</h3><p>It looks as though Cupertino is listening to their customers. In the wake of the <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/steve_jobs_says_no_going_back_ipad_mute_switch_change" target="_self">uproar</a> over the iPad’s side switch raison d'être being changed from an orientation lock to operating as a mute button, it appears as if Apple will be including an option in the iPad’s Settings pane to set the switch as either a mute button <em>or</em> portrait lock.</p><h3>Wave Goodbye to New Multi-Touch Gestures</h3><p>We were bummed to hear that the rumored inclusion of four-fingered gesture commands for iOS were just that: rumors.&nbsp; As it turns out, Apple included the new multi-touch gestures in test builds of iOS 4.3, but they’ve been omitted from the final version of the operating system. It might be for the best: iPhone and iPad touch screens are hard enough to keep clean already. Can you imagine what a pain it’d be if we were all dragging our whole hands across them every five minutes?</p><h3>Hotspots for GSM iPhones</h3><p>Why should Verizon’s CDMA handsets have all the fun? It’s been a talking point for sometime now that with iOS 4.3, Apple’s personal hot-spot software would make its debut on <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ios_43_personal_hotspot_appears_already_work_att" target="_self">GSM hardware</a> as well. Whether or not carriers will allow the feature to operate on their networks (or at what cost) is anybody’s guess.</p><h3>ATV Games and Apps</h3><p>There’s been a lot of talk about Apple bringing games and apps to the latest version of <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_releases_ios_update_apple_tv" target="_self">Apple TV</a>, and why not? The diminutive wonder’s got iOS under the hood. Should the iOS 4.3 update bring gaming and TV-sized apple functionality to the Apple TV, the console kings at Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will have some serious competition on their hands.</p><p>Remember, between now and when the Apple lets loose with their Keynote during this week's event, nothing you read or hear surrounding iOS 4.3--or any other rumored new Apple products for that matter--is set in stone. Let's all hope that Cupertino brings their A-game with them to the Yerba Buena Center on March 2!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Follow this article's author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SeamusBellamy" target="_blank">Seamus Bellamy on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/features/what_we_know_about_ios_43#commentsiOSiOS 4.3ios updateskeynotenew featuresOperating SystemRumorsspeculationFeaturesiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 01 Mar 2011 14:00:11 +0000Seamus Bellamy10056 at http://www.maclife.comCould Apple Be Moving OS X to the Cloud?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/could_apple_be_moving_os_x_cloud
<!--paging_filter--><p>Ever since Apple bought up <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/forecast_cloudy_apple%E2%80%99s_lala_plans">cloud-based music distributor LaLa</a> there's been speculation that Cupertino was going to put iTunes in the cloud. All of your music, available anywhere you had an Internet connection, streaming to your laptop, desktop, or iOS device (probably for a fee). But time passed and Apple did...nothing. So it seems. If you don't count <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apples_already_planning_expand_new_data_centre">building an enormous data center in North Carolina</a>. But maybe, just maybe our favorite computer and gadget maker is thinking bigger than just CeeLo's number one hit whenever you need a kickstart.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/01/05/new_apple_patent_for_network_booting_could_lead_to_cloud_based_mac_os_x.html">AppleInsider</a> draws our attention to the curious case of a patent filed four and a half years ago. This filing gives us a clue that working in the cloud's been on Apple's mind for just about forever, even back as far as when Google was pretty much just a search engine and virtually nobody had Gmail.</p><p><img src="/files/u124583/2010/cloud-110105.jpg" alt="cloud patent" width="600" height="410" /><br />The patent carries the fun name of "Method and apparatus for administering the operating system of a net-booted environment." What does it do, you ask? Well, the patent describes Apple's idea where "a network computer (NC) system including an NC server and multiple NC clients is managed by an NC client causing the remainder of the NC clients that are subsequently booted to receive operating system software that is configured differently than that currently in effect by replacing one or more system volumes on the NC server containing the operating system software with one or more different system volumes."<br /><br />Got all that? Essentially, it gives network administrators the ability to update any networked computer's system volumes from any other network computer. While this may not seem such a big shakes, it does create an environment where some future iteration of Apple's operating system can be updated and run from the cloud. <br /><br />Does this mean Apple is moving into the cloud? It's hard to say for certain, though it is clear that Apple has something cooking up in their labs regarding cloud services. What exactly, we can't say for sure, though we note that Cupertino has not been particularly pleased with users tinkering with its software. A cloud-based OS could give Apple greater control over how your computer runs and what you can do with it. Hackers and jailbreakers might find that while their fun and games are <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/browserbased_ios_device_jailbreaking_go">Library of Congress blessed</a> and legit, Apple's might just be finding out ways around those laws.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/could_apple_be_moving_os_x_cloud#commentsNewsChrome OScloudOperating SystemOSThe CloudMacThu, 06 Jan 2011 19:31:49 +0000J Keirn-Swanson9437 at http://www.maclife.comiPad's On-screen Dock Holds 6 Appshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ipads_onscreen_dock_holds_6_apps
<!--paging_filter--><p><img height="68" src="/files/u12635/iPad_dock_6_icons_large.jpg" width="380" /> </p><p>Forget the Dock on the iPhone that only lets you hold 4 icons, the iPad will let you feature 6 apps.</p><p>iPad lovers rejoice as <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2010/01/30/how-many-icons-on-that-ipad-dock/" target="_blank">TUAW</a> (The Unofficial Apple Weblog) mentions that you can place up-to 6 icons on the Dock of your Apple tablet device.</p><p>This is interesting, seeing as the iPad is running a future version of the iPhone OS (version 3.2). We could, perhaps, see this feature come to the iPhone in a future version of the operating system. No doubt we'll hear more about this device as developers dig into the iPad simulator. </p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ipads_onscreen_dock_holds_6_apps#commentsNewsApple Inc.AppscomputerdockiPad AppsOperating SystemTabletiPadMon, 01 Feb 2010 22:33:09 +0000Cory Bohon5909 at http://www.maclife.comMac OS X 10.7 Wishlisthttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/mac_os_x_107_wishlist
<!--paging_filter--><p><img height="370" src="/files/u12635/Mac_OS_X_disc_large-1.jpg" width="380" /></p><p>Snow Leopard was released at the amazing price of $29. The OS updates were mainly &quot;under-the-hood&quot; things, which explains the lower price. The next version of Mac OS X (10.7) has already been spotted online and more than a few people have been wondering what might be in the next iteration of the operating system. After all, Apple might have to show people some innovation to get them to upgrade.</p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/10-features-apple-should-include-in-mac-os-x-10-7-666831" target="_blank">TechRadar</a> has posted the 10 things they would like to see in 10.7. They mention: </p><p>1. A unified interface </p><p>2. System-wide tagging and smart collections</p><p>3. Superior Spotlight</p><p>4. Better stacks</p><p>5. More Multi-touch</p><p>6. Configurable Spaces </p><p>7. Cloud services</p><p>8. Finder tabs and enhancements </p><p>9. Embrace third-party services</p><p>10. A Mac App Store</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There's no doubt that Apple could be rolling out cloud services, as that has been rumored regarding Apple's acquisition of the <a href="/article/news/why_apple_purchased_lala">Lala</a> music service. More Multi-touch is inevitable since many of the Macs shipping today have either a Multi-touch enabled trackpad or Magic Mouse. A Mac App Store could prove to be quite beneficial to Apple, its users, and the developer community just as it has been on the iPhone and soon-to-be iPad.</p><p>You can see the list and descriptions of each of the topics on <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/10-features-apple-should-include-in-mac-os-x-10-7-666831" target="_blank">TechRadar's website</a>. Let us know what you'd like to see in 10.7 in the comments. </p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/mac_os_x_107_wishlist#commentsNewsApple Inc.Mac OS XOperating SystemOSSnow LeopardMacSat, 30 Jan 2010 01:10:29 +0000Cory Bohon5897 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle holding special Chrome OS Event Thursdayhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_holding_special_chrome_os_event_thursday
<!--paging_filter--><p><img alt="chrome" height="340" src="/files/u180059/chrome-logo.png" width="350" /></p><p>According to <a href="http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/17/google-chrome-os-launch/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a>, Google is planning on holding a special <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html" target="_blank">Chrome OS</a> even tomorrow at its headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. Google plans on giving technical background information and showing off its new open source operating system. <br /><br />The company will also present a &quot;complete overview&quot; of the new OS, which is due for widespread release next year. Sundar Pichai, Google's VP of Product Management, and Matthew Papakipos, Google Engineering Director for Chrome OS will also be speaking at the event and headlining a Q&amp;A session afterwards. <br /><br />Previously announced in July, Google gave very few details on the Chrome OS, but hinted that it will be open source and targeted towards netbook users. </p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_holding_special_chrome_os_event_thursday#commentsNewschromeGoogleOperating SystemOSWed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:35 +0000Andrew Villa5306 at http://www.maclife.com